China may lift trade sanctions against Australia as relations thaw ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Beijing later in the year, according to one expert.
China’s sanctions on wine, seafood and other Australian industries were imposed in the context of human rights and national security disputes.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters on Monday the government had “engaged respectfully and tried to stablise this complex relationship” in the 12 months since it took office.
“Now, we want to see the trade restrictions lifted. We think it’d be in the interest of both countries that that happens, and we think we’ve got a better chance if we engage in the methodical and considered and respectful way that we have been,” Chalmers said.
“And the prime minister’s engagement in China with Chinese leaders will be an important part of that.”
Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham said Albanese should demand “absolute clarity” on the lifting of trade tariffs before embarking on the trip, tentatively planned for October.
“As an opposition, we have given absolute bipartisan support to the Albanese government to re-enter into dialogue with China … but there is a point where we should expect clear outcomes, and China should adhere to the terms of the China-Australia [free trade agreement] without seeking concession or conditions from Australia,” Birmingham told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday.
Australian National University international security professor John Blaxland said it was likely China would seek to lift the tariffs before Albanese’s visit.
“I think most of them will be lifted gradually, because it’s not in China’s interest to pursue them,” Blaxland told Crikey.
“China needs to save face, that’s the key. So the important thing for Australia is: no gloating, please. No chest-pounding.
“[We need to] remain respectful, mindful of the wonderful Teddy Roosevelt axiom: speak softly, but carry a big stick. We’ve been speaking loudly and carrying a small stick.”
Blaxland said the “yin and yang” of Penny Wong’s diplomacy and Richard Marles’ AUKUS push would be a winning combination in dealing with China.
“I think China is happy [Albanese] isn’t ScoMo. He’s a fresh face, and he’s not the one whose government talked about ‘drums of war’.”
